Course syllabus

Development of Complex Technical Product Systems
Utveckling av komplexa tekniska produktssystem

MMKN70, 7.5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2024/25
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED M
Date of Decision: 2024-04-09
Effective: 2024-05-08

General Information

Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Elective mandatory for: I3
Elective for: M4-pu, MD4, MPRR2
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English on demand

Aim

Complex product systems, that is, products that consist in a large number of components and of advanced technologies (e.g. within the automotive and aerospace industry), require specific principles, methods and tools for their development. In comparison with simpler products, it is for example necessary to deal with a very large number of specifications and to develop a product architecture that can integrate existing and new specifications during the whole product lifecycle. Risk analysis, simulation, verification and validation of such systems are moreover very challenging because the order of magnitude of those systems. Tight collaboration is needed between different disciplines and this requires a certain organisation with engineers who have an understanding for systems engineering in order to deal with this complexity, as well as substantial IT support systems.

This knowledge is important for future product developers and managers who will most likely work directly or indirectly with such systems (whose number and types are steadily increasing) during their career. Increased degree of digitalization, artificial intelligence, sustainability aspects and circular economy are examples of trends that contribute to the need for increasingly complex and technologically advanced product systems. Such product systems are also often developed by virtual and global product development teams. In addition, these methods and tools are increasingly being diffused and applied to less complex products. This requires that a product developer and manager thoroughly understands systems engineering.

The main purpose of this course is to acquire knowledge and skills about the principles, methods and tools used in industry in the development of complex product systems.

The course also aims to widen the student's perspective beyond one's own engineering discipline, to understand holistically a product development project, including the system-technical and economic perspectives over the product's entire life cycle, the project risks and technical risks, as well as a basic understanding of socio-technical systems – for example a product and its users, or a technical development organization.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

Contents

This course deals with the fundamentals of systems engineering as well as the related methods and tools that are used in most of the concerned industries. Many of the course activities are performed with practitioners. The course includes the following elements:

Teaching takes place in the form of lectures, guest lectures, self-study, seminars and exercises / group work.

The principles, methods and techniques are applied in a project that is carried out, if possible, in direct collaboration with an industrial company.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment: The course includes a compulsory industrial project, which is carried out in groups of 4-6 students. The project work is graded with the TH scale (Fail, 3, 4 or 5). The project grade corresponds to the final grade of the course.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0121. Name: Project.
Credits: 7.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). The module includes: The project is, if possible, carried out in cooperation with an industrial enterprise. During the project, the students apply the principles, methods and tools taught in the course to develop a complex product.

Admission

Admission requirements:

Assumed prior knowledge: At least 130 higher education credits within a curriculum.
The number of participants is limited to: No

Reading list

Contact

Course coordinator: Damien Motte, damien.motte@design.lth.se
Teacher: Johan Granholm, johan.granholm@design.lth.se
Director of studies: Elin Olander, elin.olander@design.lth.se
Course homepage: https://www.innovation.lth.se/education/